A new challenge...the Antarctic...starting where Shackleton turned back http://www.justgiving.com/Hazel-Richards1

http://www.uksponsorship.com/challenges.htm#hazel

Read my journey so far......Spitzbergen Trek April 2010.......On Easter Monday, I flew out to Oslo and continued my journey north to Spitsbergen, a Norwegian Island situated high up in the Arctic Ocean at 80 degrees north. On arrival in Longyearbyen, our team of 12 sorted out the expedition kit, before strapping skis back on for our 62km trek. This time the challenge was skiing with a 'pulk'....a sledge containing all my personal possessions (must remember to pack lighter next time!)...living in the wilderness....in a tent, surrounded by Polar Bear trip wires! We survived storms, blizzards, whiteouts and sheet ice, crossing 4 glaciers and several mountain passes....the scenery was quite simply breathtaking. Thanks go to our wonderful Norwegian guide Havard, our guides at http://www.coldclimates.co.uk/ Ed, Susanna and the big man himself David HA, my guardian angel Peter B (for getting me out of the Ash Cloud!), Alberto, Jesus, Guy, Lou, John, Carlo, Nigel and Brooksie... a team full of laughter, support and much appreciated camaraderie! God save the Queen! xxx

Thankyou to those who have sponsored so far...still time to support my efforts and charities==> MITCHEMP TRUST, WELLCHILD & BRITISH <3 FOUNDATION. Time for a new challenge....the South Pole....www.hazelrichards.com

Engadin 42km Cross Country Ski marathon -14 March 2010....This was never a race for me but a need to complete a previously failed challenge and raise money for charity. The first 17.5km ski into the village passed without incident..... followed by a long and painful climb uphill! No relief downhill....this is where I had my accident in 2004! At the halfway mark I was happy with my progress...but no 'wall'...where was it?

At 22km, I hit a post and took the fencing out!...a timely reminder that my legs were now feeling the effects of fatigue and the cold. The 'wall' eventually hit me at 30km...skiing against a bitter wind with no end in sight...but I was very determined. Another 10km passed...I was cold and tired but now I could see the finishing lines in the valley below, I knew I was going to make it...with a few tears, I threw my poles in the air, knowing my journey was over...time for a new challenge....See latest 2010 slide show http://www.swiss-image.ch/slideshow/?event=engadinskimarathon2010

Back in 2003, I took part in the Engadin Ski Marathon as a positive way to overcome a personal challenge. I felt a fantastic sense of achievement which changed my outlook on life to 'can do'. Having never cross country skied before and with only 2 days to learn the art, I experienced an amazing and exhilarating journey, which challenged both my physical and mental strength. In 2004, I went back again, but fell halfway....it was off by skidoo and ambulance to hospital with concussion!....So this was unfinished business which required me to go back in the name of charity again and complete the task!....this time wearing a ski helmet (thankyou Cotswold outdoors www.cotswoldoutdoor.com)!

Thankyou to Tortworth Court for use of gym facilities http://tortworth-court-hotel.four-pillars.co.uk/

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